Prep column: Missing persons

Barry Faulkner

The Estancia High football team may not win a game next year. But

the 28 players who took part in the Eagles’ first spring practice Monday

afternoon are inarguably undefeated.

Undeterred by the loss of their head coach, Dave Perkins, who took the

same job at crosstown rival Costa Mesa, this group of mostly freshmen and

sophomores appeared committed, focused and motivated, as a group of

former Estancia coaches put them through their paces.

Most of all, they looked like they were having fun.

But, as conspicuous as the joy the game can evoke -- even played in

shorts and T-shirts -- was the absence of many would-be returners.

Disappointed by Perkins’ departure, disheartened by the timing of the

move, which renders spring practice a stopgap measure until the new coach

is hired, even dismayed by an administration some blame for hastening

their former coach’s exit, several juniors, who will be seniors next

fall, were nowhere in sight.

That group did not include senior-to-be Freddy Rodriguez, a

second-team All-Pacific Coast League safety last fall, who is playing it

anything but safe.

A two-year varsity starter with size, skill and savvy, Rodriguez stood

out among Monday’s assemblage. And, those still connected with the

program, hope he can spearhead the recruitment of some defectors.

Art Perry, heading the fill-in coaching staff, asked the players at

the conclusion of practice to encourage their friends to take part in

spring drills.

Rodriguez said afterward it is, at best, a difficult situation, but he

made the decision to try to make the most of his senior year, regardless

of the circumstances.

He said he has tried to talk others into overcoming their misgivings,

but he is not optimistic they will change their minds, at least until the

new coach is in place.

Sophomore Kyle Casillas, who started some varsity games last fall at

receiver, said he is frustrated by the lack of participants, but he could

not foresee a scenario that would cause him to turn his back on the game.

Those who choose not to play, especially as seniors, will regret the

decision. Maybe not this spring or even next fall, but the time will

surely come. It is they who will have truly lost, no matter where the

2001 Eagles wind up in the standings.

If the Costa Mesa High baseball team can get past visiting Mayfair in

today’s CIF Southern Section Division IV second-round playoff game, it

should have a quality scouting report on Friday’s quarterfinal foe.

Corona del Mar Coach John Emme, whose Sea Kings were eliminated in

Friday’s Division IV first round, has volunteered to be on hand today

when Monrovia visits Bonita.

“I’m on my way to Bonita,” said Emme, who benefited from

Bauermeister’s scouting services last spring. “The bad part is, I have to

miss (the Mustangs’) game.”